A good starting point is the finish you want: subtle, covered, detailed or expressive.
Nude sheer stockings
Sheer hosiery brings a light finish to skirts and dresses. Nude is not one universal shade: compare the colour in natural light and look for a tone that works with your outfit and skin tone.
Lace-top stockings
Lace adds a decorative finish at the top of the stocking. Hold-ups and suspender stockings are not interchangeable: check whether a style has a grip band or requires a suspender belt.
Opaque stockings
Opaque hosiery creates a more covered appearance. Denier can be a useful comparison, but colour, yarn and construction also influence how much coverage a style gives.
Patterned stockings
Dots and fine textures can be a focal point or a small finishing detail. Pair a more expressive pattern with simpler colours and shapes to keep the outfit balanced.